Spacecraft Materials & Processes Engineer (Metals)

Vast; City of Long Beach (NY); On-site; USD 86,000 - 196,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical/Dental/Vision

Onsite meals

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

Vast is seeking a Materials & Processes Engineer – Metallics to support the design and build of human-rated space stations. You will report to the Materials & Processes Lead in Long Beach and contribute across metallic materials for spacecraft structures and propulsion systems.

This full-time role involves material specification, process qualification, failure analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain. Travel up to 30% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science/Engineering or a related technical field.
• 2+ years for Level II; Senior roles require leadership across a subsystem.
• Master’s or PhD preferred for advanced research and leadership.
• Experience with metallic materials including aluminum, steels, titanium, nickel-based alloys.
• Strong experience in welding, heat treatment, fatigue, and fracture mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Provide M&P engineering expertise for metallic materials across spacecraft structures.
• Develop and maintain material and process specifications and standards.
• Guide manufacturing processes including machining, forging, casting, welding, and additive manufacturing.
• Perform failure analysis and support RCCA investigations on flight hardware.
• Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Metallurgical Engineering

Materials Science

Welding

Heat Treatment

Failure Analysis

NADCAP Experience

Aerospace Materials

Casting/Forging/Machining

Microscopy (SEM/EDS)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science or Metallurgical Engineering

Master’s degree in Materials Engineering (preferred)

PhD in Materials Science (preferred)

Tools

NADCAP Experience

Optical/SEM/EDS microscopy

Material testing (tensile, hardness, fatigue)

ASTM/NASA standards familiarity

Job description

Vast is seeking a Materials & Processes Engineer – Metallics to support the design and build of human-rated space stations. You will report to the Materials & Processes Lead in Long Beach and contribute across metallic materials for spacecraft structures and propulsion systems.

This full-time role involves material specification, process qualification, failure analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain. Travel up to 30% may be required.